input costs

The outlook for agricultural retailers is generally favorable for 2023, following a year of record profits in 2022.  However, the sector faces emerging risks that could depress profit margins and challenge traditional business models in the years ahead.  Lower l...

Throughout much of 2022 and into this year, much of the financial concern for the ag industry was input costs that were climbing at significant rates.  But now, those concerns don’t seem to be so loud.  The Idaho Cattlemen’s Cameron Mulrony said diesel prices are a great example.   “It seemed to stabiliz...

Farmers Business Network released its 2023 Ag Chemical Price Transparency Report last week, which highlighted the extreme price variation facing farmers.  The report collected information from 37 states and accounts for over 800 insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides.   “...

After the sharp increase in the cost of doing business, the Washington State Dairy Federation is hoping the industry can avoid more consolidation.  The Federation is also optimistic about legislation in Olympia to initiate a carbon reduction program for dairy.  In case...

While we’re over two months in, many questions remain about 2023, and how the year head will impact the farming community.  Dr. Phil Bass, Meat Science Assistant Professor at the University of Idaho, said he’ll keep a close eye on the weather in the weeks and months to come.  He noted note only does ...

The U.S. economy will progressively slow through the first half of this year, and recession fears are still high, and warranted.  That assessment from CoBank, adding inflation is starting to loosen its grip on farm country.  While a slowing economy does mean that impact of inflation is expected to diminish, that also means the crop prices, and lesser extent livestock prices producers receive in 20

The USDA is forecasting that farm commodity prices will drop in the year ahead and production input costs will stay or even move higher.  For producers, the question is: when/if input prices follow those output prices lower.   “We are forecasting that fertilizer and feed expenses will decline in 2023, yet they will remain high," noted USDA economist Carrie Litkowski. She added expenses for m.

According to the latest USDA Ag prices reports, American producers received almost 10% less price wise for their commodities in total in January.  The 9.7% month-over-month decline in prices received for all producers was the same number indicated for prices within the livestock index.    ...

Will the nation's farm sector generate yet another record amount of net income in 2023 as it's done the last two years?   “No, but the expectation is it will still be an above average year.”   USDA chief economist Seth Meyer told the USDA Outlook Forum last week that he expects net cash farm income this year to be $150.5 billion, which, if ...

With so many question marks for Northwest growers this upcoming season, it’s important producers control what they can.  Andrew Eddie, President of the Washington state Hay Growers Association says interest rates, trade, international conflict, and of course weather are all out of control of the growers; but one thing you can control is relationships.  He noted a go...